Power Management - Will Constant Running of Laptop Damage Hardware?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JStrummer
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J

JStrummer

I would like to use my laptop (Compaq R3000Z) as a desktop-styled
machine, keeping it on all the time, especially overnight, as I have
some backup scripts that need to run from the laptop. As a result, I
have switched the Power Management settings from Laptop to Always On,
which prevents standby and auto-shutdown of the hard drive. I also
turned off hibernation.

My question is this: I don't know much about the internal architecture
of laptops, as opposed to desktops, and wondered if there was any risk
in having the laptop and its hard drive running all the time, like
you'd typically do with a desktop?
 
As long is it is connected to a power outlet, there should be no issues that
differ from a desktop with one exception, the LCD screen. If that is left
on all the time, you will shorten the life of the screen. I would use the
turn off monitor function under power on the Screen Savers tab to protect
your screen.

That said, while there should be no issues with the hard drive or other
components under this arrangement, those items are usually harder and more
expensive to replace than in a desktop. It probably should be connected to
a backup power unit to protect against spikes or loss of power.
 
If I may, I'd like to add that you also should be careful of
air supply around the laptop - it's a lot easier to
accidentally block air supplies on laptops than desktops. I
glued some rubber feet under mine to make sure it stays off
the desktop and any papers that slide under it, using a
couple extra ones to block front entry under the laptop of
paper etc of any size. Mine will almost burn my knees after
an hour or so on my lap (I'm disabled) so I'm sure the heat
buildup can't be good for it. I gauge how hot it is by the
amount of time the fan runs. Off fine, cycling, getting
hot, full on, too hot, for my purposes anyway.

Pop



"Michael Solomon (MS-MVP Windows Shell/User)"
 
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